So im new to fly fishing and I need some help. My dad has let me borrow his sage rods from the 80's the past couple weeks and I absolutely love them. However I cant imagine if I ever broke one or damaged one because they mean alot to him so its time to get my own. Im thinking i want a 5 weight kind of as an all around set up. So if you can give me a good suggestion for a 5 weight to both nymph and dry fly that would be great thank you a lot.

I also love older Sage rods. I have a 9.5 ft Sage RPL+ in a 5wt that was given to me 13 years ago by my cousin, and it is still the rod I fish the most. great for streamer fishing, dry fly fishing, and nymphing alike. So lately I have been wondering what would happen if I broke it, and I did an ebay search. You can find yourself a used RPL in good shape for $150-$250, and this is what I would recommend for you. This are just timeless, incredible all around rods (though a little faster action than what I need for the fishing I'm doing now: small trophy streams for big fish). Just my 2 cents!

Do you recall what model rod you borrowed from your dad and loved? That may give an idea on what type action you liked.

Yes The one I use the most is a sage 6 weight 690 RP 9'0'' I tried my Friends echo 5 weight 9'0'' last night and loved it not sure what exact model but it was nice. Also i need a reel on it but im trying to stay away from redington combos. I have about $500 bucks right now from work and graduation so thats pretty much my budget. Im not specifically looking for a sage just a good rod.

i have an Echo3 and they are really nice rods. but if i were you I'd look for a used Sage XP or ZXL (XP is faster, ZXL is more delicate). Either can be had for about $300, and you can get a great reel for less $200. The precursor to the ZXL was the SLT (which can also be found on the big auction site--that rod is now a bit of a legend).